Feed-regulator for boilers and the like.



J. WYLLIE GULATOR FOR BOILER S AND THE LIKE FEED RE APPLICATION FILEDMAR.1, 1909.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented D013. 17, 1911.

L l?. lli

. WYLLIE FEED REGULATOR FOB. BOILERS AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.1, 1909.

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I ITVENTQR 55 JAMES XX/.YLLIE J. WYLL FEED REGULATOR. POP. BOILER S ANDTHE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 1. 1909.

Patentedct. 1V?, 1911.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

J. WYLLIE.

FEED REGULATOR PoR BOILERS AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.1. 1909.

Patented Oct, l?, 19H..

LGSS@ 4 SHEETS-SHEET L4 (2, Off f6/W JAMES WYLLIE, OF BLUNDELLSANDS;NEAR LII'.VERPOOII'J,I ENGLAND;

Specification of Letters Patent.

.FEED-REGULATOR. FOR BOILERS AND THE LIE.

Patented Oct. 17, 1911.

Application led March 1, 1909. Serial No. 480,;762. g,

c l'o all whom tt may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES WYLLIE, a subject of the King of'England,residing at Stratheden, St. Anthonys Road, Blundellsands, nearLiverpool,`"in the county of Lancaster, England, have invented certainnew and useful Improvements 'in an `Re1ating to Feed-Regulators forBoilers and theq Like, of which the following is a specication,reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to the handling'of the feed liquids ofconcentrating and evaporating apparatus', steam generators, and thelike, and has for its purpcsez-to provide apparatus, whereby thefeediliquid may be heated-and stored-at a temperature approximating thatof the steam in the concentrator, evaporator, steam generator, and thelike (hereinafter referred to, for the purpose of reference as boilerand be alwaysready to meet either constant or variable requirements ofthe boiler; this supply being automatically regulated, to insure asteady and predetermined level of liquid in the boiler; and, in somecases, also to control the feed heating steam, so that live steam fromthe boiler is abstracted only when the steam pressure is at or above thenormal working pressure. To providesimple and eflicient apparatus, bywhich the feed liquids may be freed from scale forming ingredients anddeleterious gases before it is permitted to pass into the boiler.

In accomplishing these objects, I:-1, ob-

,viate' the employment' of working parts within either the boiler orliquid storage vessel: 2, render the necessary valves and connectionsreadily accessible: 3,' provide against negligence on the part ofattendants:l 4, obviate extreme variations in the temperature of theliquid storage'vessel, and thus prevent racking, due to unequalexpansion and contraction of same, and: 5,

minimize likelihood of breakdown of the working parts of the apparatus,by removing same from the vibratory influence 'due to ebullition ofliquid in the boiler.

In the drawings, my invention is shownby way of example`as applied tosteam generating apparatus for power purposes.

Figure 1 represents in .part sectional elevation automatic feedregulating apparatus according to the invention; and Fig. 1A is Vamodified detail.. Figs. 2 and' represent in sectional elevationapparatus for heating and purifying the feed water in combination withthe regulating apparatus shown 1n Fig. 1. Figs. 4 to 7 are detailsrelating to Fig. 3, hereinafter described. Figs. 8 toI l0 represent feedwater regulating'apparatus 1n combination with'water storage 4 vessels.Fig. 1l is a sectional view of a-low water line; and Fig. 12 shows amodified construction of feed apparatus illustrated in Fig. l.

In'the drawings, like figures of reference denote like or correspondingparts wherever they occur.

Referring to the drawings, but more particularly to the feed watercontrolling apparatus as shown in Fig. 1, 1 indicates the mixing vessel,and 2 a pipe communicating with the upper portion of said mixing vessel1, and' opening to the boiler at the normal or predetermined waterlevel. 4 is a stop valve on said pipe 2; and 5 is a cylinder disposedaround the lower part of pipe 2, to shield the mouth of said pipe fromsurface scum. 6 is a pipe leading from the valve-chamber 7 and enteringthe upper part of said mixing lvessel 1. 8 is the feed water supplypipe, and 9 (see Fig. 2) is a double seat valve mounted upon the spindle10, which in turn is connected withithe diaphragm 11 disposed withinthe'cham'ber l2. 13 is a pipe leading from the underside 'of diaphragm11 to the lower part of the mixing vessel 1, and 14 is a lever providedwith an adjustable counter weight 15, by means of which the normal levelof water in the4 mixing vessel may be regulatedand--as observed by theaid of the gage glass 18-the correct adjustment of the valve insured:this lever also affords a. means of testing the valve under workingconditions. Any other suitable means of effecting this object, may,however, be employed. u

16 represents a non-return or check valve of the type usually fitted tosteam boilers, which valve lis in communication with mixing vessel 1through branch 17 ator near the bottom thereof, and with the boiler 3vat any convenient point.

In some cases it may be necessary or desirable to dispose the diaphragmchamber and water regulating valve above,'or it may be considerablybelow, the level of the mixing vessel 1.n Under the conditions, as'illus# tratedin. Figs.' 1 and 2, in which the level of the water -in theboiler has'v fallen'below the mouth of pipe 2', the feed waterregulating valve is open, and feed water passesup the pipe 6 and showersinto the mixing vessel 1 in which it accumulates until its head issufficient to overcome the weight of the check valve 16, through whichit ows to the boiler. The upper face of the diaphragm is subjected topressure governed by the head of water as represented by the height ofthe Water column between it and the upper end of pipe 6, while the lowerside issubjected to pressure as represented by the height of the watercolumn between it and the surface of water in the mixing vessel 1,communication being effected through pipe 13 in obvious manner. Thewater in pipe 6 and in the mixing vessel 1 being both subjected to thepressure of steam from the boiler, such pressure does not affect thediaphragm, which is vcontrolled only through the difference of the headsof water referred to. To provide communication between the pipe 6 andthe diaphragm chamber 12 sufficient clearance is left around the spindle10; or, a separate connection may be provided for this purpose-I-asshown for instance in Fig. 2. When the water level in the boiler rises,due to the incoming feed, steam is shut ofi' by it from pipe 2 andmixing vessel 1, and the steam then within same condenses; and a partialvacuum being formed water from the boiler passes up pipe 2 and into themixing vessel 1, which togetherwith the water issuing from pipe 6causesA the lower face of the diaphragm to be subjected to arelativelysuperior head, and through its consequent movement closes thevalve 9 to cut olf the feed water supply.

In action, the level .of water in mixing vessel 1 will tend to be fairlyconstant owing to the fact that, when a variation in level occurs, themovement is simultaneously communicated, through the diaphragm 11 to thevalve 9, and the quantity of water flowing into the mixing vessel isthus controlled. In this condition the level of water in the boiler isin such close proximity to the mouth of pipe 2 that some water will becarried by the steam up to the mixing vessel and so maintain theultimate pressure of steam in mixing vessel 1 slightly below that in theboiler. Further, due to the small variation of water level in mixingvessel 1, and consequent small movement of the diaphragm,

the water in contact with the diaphragm is more or less static, with theresult that the diaphragm chamber will become cool; and therefore adiaphragm of rubber may be 'safely employed. In Fig. 1A, conduit 2 isshown connected with the boiler at about the water level.

-In combination with feed water regulating apparatus as beforedescribed, it is desirable or necessary to employ means of such means,according to my invention are illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 of thedrawings annexed hereto. y

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 2 I provide within the mixingvessel 1 perforated trays 19, these trays being carried by a spindle 20ksupported at its lower end by means of the foot piece 21, in order thatit and the trays may be lifted out for cleaning purposes and replacedconveniently when the cover 22 of mixing vessel 1 is removed. Below saidmixing vessel and communicating therewith is a small receptacle 23 inwhich impurities in the feed water which are rendered insoluble inpassing through the mixing vessel 1 are deposited before the waterenters the boiler 3 by way of the check valve 16. This` receptacle alsoaffords facility for the depositing of impurities rendered insoluble bytreatment chemically, say by means of re-agents introduced by themeasuring device 22a. I also prefer to provide means of permitting anygases liberated-due to the elevation of the ternperature of the feedwater in passing through the mixing vessel-to escape, and to this end Ipreferably employ an expansion trap or valve 24 of any known suitabletype, in Awhich the liberated gases collect and cause-due to theirdecreased temperaturethe valve to open and permit of their discharge. Insome cases, I may provide a chamber in communication with said expansiontrap or valvein which the gases may collect prior to discharge.

In cases where'the feed water is of suflicient purity to permit of it, Iprefer to employ perforated plates 19 within the mixing vessel 1 asillustrated in Fig. 2; but, where such an arrangement is notpermissible, due to the impurities of the feed water, I prefer to employthe inclined imperforate plates 25 illustrated in Fig. 3. Thisdisposition of the plates permits of a large water surface being exposedto steam. Further, these plates 25 may be serrated in the manner shownin Fig. 4 to enhance the end in view. As an additional means offacilitating the deposit of impurities within the receptacle 23 I mayemploy baiiie plates or screens upon which the impurities may bedeposited.

In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 3 I employ two imperforate plates26 of the contour shown in Fig. 5, and three circular screens 27 ofperforate metal or wire gauze. It will be obvious, however, that thenumber and arrangement of these baffles or screens may be variedaccording to requirements. Where requisite or desirable a plurality ofreceptacles connected in series may be employed, with or without thebaffles or screens referred to.

In cases where the condition of the feed heating and, in some cases,purifying the water is such that only a small receptacle feed waterprior to entering the boiler, and 23 is requisite, the arrangementillustrated 130 upper side of the piston to close the valve,

in Fig. 6 may be conveniently employed, in which the receptacle isformed within the support for the mixing vessel 1. The liberated gasesmay escape through the aperture 28, or an expansion trap or cock may befitted thereto.

In Fig. 7 is shown a convenient means of securing the cover of mixingvessel 1 in position.

Referring again to Fig. 2 of the drawings, there is shown a modifiedmeans of controlling the feed water valve in lieu of the diaphragmdescribed in Figs. 1 and 2. In this arrangement, a piston 29 is disposedwithin the cylinder 30, the rod of which piston is linked with the lever14 which latter is pivoted to the arm 14a. Lever 14 is also linked tothe valve spindle 10. The pressure due to the head of water in themixing vessel l and pipe 13 acts upon the while the head of water asindicated by the height of pipe 6 and branch 6? acts upon the undersideof the piston to open the valve: this is-for convenience in balancingthe partsa converse arrangement to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Referring now generally lto Figs. 8 to 10, but more particularly to Fig.8 there is illustrated in combination with feed regulating apparatus astorage vessel, capable of storing a large volume of feed water at atemperature approximating thatof the steam in the boiler 3. Virtuallythis storage vessel 31 may be considered as an enlargement of the lowerend of t-he mixing vessel and, in consequence, the variation of waterlevel in the mixing vessel, effected V'by varying the pressure on theregulating valve may be utilized for filling and emptying said vessel.This storage `vessel 31 also constitutes a receptacle for" the depositof insolvent impurities from the feed water, which impurities may becollected by bafiies or screens, or deposited upon an open filter bed,composed of stones or the like 27, see Fig. 8. 32 is a drain pipe. Ade-aerating trap or valve, such as described with reference. to Fig. 2may also be fitted to the storage vessel, and for the greater safety ofthe boiler, a low Awater alarm 32, Fig. 8, may be fitted to the storagevessel at a point below7 the normal lower working level B. The apparatusillustrated in Fig. 11, consists of an inverted siphon c, the lower endof which is fitted to said storage vessel 31, the upper end of theSiphon is closed with a fusible dsk or plug d so arranged that when thewater level falls below the normal lower level a, say to b, steam willenter siphon c, permitting the water which has been held up in tube c torun out, and taking its place. The steam will heat up the tube andfittings generally l until the plug Z has reached a temperature steamwill blow it out. The escaping steam 'Will Warn attendants of unusuallylowlevel of water in the storage vessel 31.

c is a stop cock to permit a blown out fuse to be replaced. Any otherform of low water alarm may however be applied. This arrangement ofstorage vessel is particularly applicable for use when a boiler isrequired to meet a heavy demand 4for steam such as occurs in electricalgenerating stations, and on 4these occasions the balance weight 14 ofthe regulatinvr valve may' be moved from the inner position to the outerend of the lever as indicated by the do-tted lines to cut off thefurther supV ly ofv cold water and consequent draft ofJ live steam fromthe boiler, until such time as the hot water in the storage vessel isreduced to the minimum l i to this level the valve will, withoutfurtherl adjustment, automatically re-open and continue to supply waterin equal quantity to that being evaporated in the boiler 3.

When the abnormal demand for steam has ceased, the balance weight may bemoved back to its normal position, when the feed water will, as before,accumulate in the vessel 31 until the maximum level A has been reached;the water in the vessel 31 is then ready to again meet a heavy load. Itwill thus be seen that the simple movement of the balance weight is allthat is necessary to meet abnormal requirements, and although other maybe neglected by an attendant, the continuity of the feed to the boileris unaffected.

33 represents a by-pass connection disposed between the cold watersupply pipe and the hot feed water pipe leading tothe `check valve 16 inorder that the apparatus may be disconnected for cleaning purposes whilethe boiler is under working conditions. A similar by-pass connection mayalso advantageously be applied to the apparatus shown in Figs. 1, 2, 9,and 10 of the drawings. Provisions may however be made for automaticallyccntrolling the quantity of feed water in the vessel 31, and to this endI may employ an electrical solenoid device, such, for instance, asillustrated in Fig. 9, in which 34 is a bell crank lever pivoted at 35to a bracket 36; one arm of said lever is connected to the movableYweight 15 mounted upon lever 14, while the other arm is connected With`the armature 37 of coil 38.

.39 is a meter, say-for instance-a presto make Contact with a terminal41 and close the circuit 42 when the steam pressure in the boiler 43falls, and thus the weight 15 is moved from its inner position asindicated by full line to its outer position as indicated l by dottedline, to eect the end in View.

- at which it will fuse, when the pressurek of 43 represents anincandescent lamp which level B. When the water has been lowered itsoperation ineither one direction or the' sure gage, the finger 4() ofwhich is adapted is lighted when the circuit is closed, or there may bealso'employed a bell which is actuated on the closing of-the circuit inwell known manner. The valve 9 may be controlled in similar mannerthrough a moving element upon any meter used for indicating the boilerloads.

The function of the upper part of the mixing vessel hereinbeforereferred to, namely, to bring the incoming feed water into intimateContact with steam, is performed by plates, trays, or baffles 56 of anyordinary type, as illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 9. Alternatively,to automatically control the quantity of feed water in vessel 31, mayemploy a steam piston operated by an escape valve such asl illustratedin Fig. 10, in which arrangement 44 represents a piston disposed withinthe cylinder 45. Said piston 44 is adapted to be raised by boiler steamissuing through t-he pipe 46 against the resist-ance of the spring 47.The piston rod 44a of said piston44 carries at'its lower end a smallvalve 48. This valve is adapted to open or close a passage 49communicating with a second cylinder 50 within which is disposed apiston 51 connected to an arm-52 adapted to open and close a cock orvalve 53 disposed in the conduit 54 communicating with the storagevessel 31 and pipe 2A. v

55 represents a whistle in communication with said cylinder 50. When theparts are in the posit-ions illustrated the boiler pressure issufficient to overcome the resistance of spring 47 and maint-ain thepiston 44 in its uppermost position, and consequently valve 48 closesthe lower end of cylinder 45 to steam. When, however, the boilerpressure falls below the predetermined pressure, piston 44 is forceddownward by spring 47,

the valve 48 opens, and steam is permitted to enter cylinder 50, andforce piston 51 upward, to close the pipe connectionv 54 and also soundthe whistle 55.

' In the modification illustrated in Fig. 10, the diaphragm 11 andthrough it, valve 9 is controlled, as usual, through the head of waterin pipe 6 acting on the upper side of diaphragm, as opposed to the headof water in mixing vessel 1 acting on the underside of said diaphragm;which vessel 1, in this case, extends to a point near the bottom ofvessel 3l or in some instances vessel 31 may be disposed entirelyoutside said mixing vessel, and communication made between them in anyconvenient manner) and the supply of water to the vessel 31, by way ofmixing vessel 1, is controlled through the sealing vand un-sealing ofeither the port opening 57 or 58 to pipe 2^, which pipe 2A communicateswith the upper portion of mixing vessel 1. The admission of water fromvessel 31 to boiler 3 is controlled by the level of water in saidvboiler as before described,

that is, when the mouth of pipe 2 is unsealed by the falling of waterlevel in the boiler, steam willenter vessel 31 through pipe 2, to permitof the water in said vessel 31 flowing to the boiler in obvious manner.When the stop cock 53 c-n the branch 54 is shut, the Water in vessel 31will not riseA above the minimum level B, and when it is required toraise the water to the maximum level A, cock 53 is opened by hand, orautomatically, say, by the solenoid or piston devices illustrat'ed; orby other suitable means. Steam from boiler 3 passes to the vessel 31 byway of pipe 2, and when cock 53v is closed, the level of water in saidvessel 31 must-fall toor somewhat below-the level B before the steam canescape through pipe 2A, to relieve the tension in mixing vessel l; thesteam thus passing to the top of mixing vessel 1 will permit the waterlevel in said mixing vessel to fall to a point at which the differenceof pressure acting on diaphragm 11 causes the supply valve to beoperated to maintain the normal water level in mixing vessel 1, andtherefore the level in vessel 31 at B, in the manner previouslydescribed.

Theeffect of opening cock 53 is to nullify,

or render inoperative, for the time being, the lower end of pipe 2A, assteam passes through port 57 to the top of mixing vessel 1 until theWater level is raised to the point A, at or about which point port 57 isclosed and the supply valve actuated through diaphragm 11, as abovedescribed. Y

This invention may obviously be applied to boilers (land and marine)other than of the water tube type, and also, as before stated toconcentrating and evaporating apparatus generally.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is l. Liquid feed regulating apparatuscomprising asteam vessel; a liquid receptacle; a conduit communicatingwith the upper part of said receptacle and with said steam vessel at a.predetermined liquid level; a conduit communicating with the upper partof saidrliquid receptacle and withthe feed liquid supply; a valvecontrolling element; a conduit communicating with'said liquid receptacleat a point below said first mentioned conduits and wit-h said valvecontrolling element; a valve, and'm'e'ans adapted to operate said valvethrough the difference of the opposed liquid heads; and a conduitcommunicating with the lower part of said liquid receptacle and withsaid steam vessel.

2. Liquid feed regulating apparatus, comprising a steam vessel; a liquidreceptacle; a conduit communicating with the upper part of saidreceptacle and with said steam vessel at a predetermined liquid level;

a conduit communicating with the upper art of said liquid receptacle,and with the eed 3. Liquid feed regulating apparatus, com-` prising asteam vessel; a quid receptacle; a conduit communicating with the upperpart of'said receptacle and with said steamvessel at a predeterminedliquid level; a conduit communicating with the upper Apart of saidliquid receptacle and with the feed liquid supply; a valve controllingelement; a conduit communicating with said liquid receptacle at a pointbelow said first mentioned conduits and lwith said valve controllingelement; a Valve, and means adapted to operate said valve throu h thedifference of the opposed liquid eads; means of automatically regulatingthe balance of said valve; and a conduit communieating with the lowerpart of said liquid re'- ceptacle and with said steam vessel;

et. Liquid feed regulating apparatus, comprising a steam vessel; aliquid receptacle; a second liquid receptacle in vcommunication withsaid first mentioned liquid receptacle; a conduit communicating -withone of said receptacles and with said steam vessel at a lpredeterminedliquid level; a conduit communicating with the upper part of Said firstmentioned receptacle and with the feed liquid supply; a valvecontrolling element; a conduit communicating with one of said'liquidreceptacles at a point below i said first mentioned conduits and withsaid valve controlling element; a valve, and means adapted to operatesaid valve through the difference of the opposed liquid heads; means ofautomatically regulating the balance of said valve; and a conduitcommunicating with said second mentioned liquid receptacle and with saidsteam Vessel.

5. Liquid feed regulating apparatus, comprising a steam vessel; a liquidreceptacle; a second li uid receptacle in communication with said rstmentioned liquid receptacle; a conduit communicatin withy one of saidliquid receptacles and wlth said steam vessel at a predetermined liquidlevel; a conduit communicating with the upper part of said firstmentioned liquid receptacle and with the feed liquid supply; a valvecontrolling element; a conduit communicating with one of saidreceptacles at a point below said first mentioned conduits and with saidvalve controlling element; a valve, and means adapted to operate saidvalve through the difference of the opposed liquid heads;

a meter; means of automatically regulating the balance of said valvethrough a moving element of said meter; and a conduit communicating withsaid second mentioned liquid receptacle and with said steam vessel.

6. Liquid feed regulating apparatus, comprising a steam vessel; a liquidreceptacle; a second liquid receptacle in communication with said firstmentioned liquid receptacle; a conduit communicating with one of saidliquid receptacles and with said steam vessel at a predetermined liquidlevel; a conduit communicating with the upper part of said firstmentioned liquid receptacle and with the feed liquid supply; a Valvecontrolling element; a conduit communicating with one of said liquidreceptacles at a point below said first `mentioned conduits and saidvalve controlling element; 'a valve, and means adapted to qperate saidValve through the difference o the opposedy liquid heads; means adaptedto automatically regulate the balance of said valve through the rise andfall'of steam pressure; and a conduit communicating with said secondmentioned liquid receptacle and with said steam vessel.

7. Liquid feed regulating apparatus, comprising a steam vessel; a liquidreceptacle; a second liquid receptacle in communication with said firstmentioned liquid receptacle;

a conduit communicating with one of said receptacles, and with saidsteam vessel at a predetermined liquid level; a conduit communicatingwith the upper part of said first mentioned liquid rceptacle and withthe feed liquid'supply; a valve controlling element;

a conduit communicating with one of said liquid receptacles at a pointbelow said first mentioned conduits and with said valve controllingelement; a valve, and means adapted to operate said valve through thedifference of the opposed liquid heads; a conduit communicating withsaid second mentioned liquid receptacle and with said steam vessel;

a conduit communicating with the lower portion of said second mentionedliquid receptacle and with the upper port-ion of said first mentionedliquid receptacle; a branch conduit communicating with said secondmentioned liquid receptacle and with said last mentioned conduits; avalve in said branch conduits, and means for actuating said valve.

8. Liquid feed regulatinfr apparatus, comprising a steam vessel; aliquid receptacle; a second liquid receptacle in communication with saidfirst mentioned liquid receptacle; a conduit communicating with one ofsaid liquid receptacles, and with said steam vessel at a predeterminedliquid level; a conduit communicating with the upper part of said firstlmentioned liquid receptacle and with the feed liquid supply; a Valvecontrolling element; a conduit communicating with one of said liquidreceptacles at a point below said first mentioned conduit and with saidvalve controlling element; a valve, and

means adapted to operate said valve through the difference of theopposed liquid heads; a conduit communicating with said second mentionedliquid receptacle and with said steam vessel; a conduit communicatingwith the lower portion of said second mentioned Vliquid receptacle andwith the upperportion of said -first mentioned liquid receptacle; abranch conduit communicating with said second mentioned liquidreceptacle and with said last mentioned conduit; a valve in said branchconduit; a meter; and means for automatically actuating said Valvethrough a moving element of said meter.

9. Liquid feed regulating apparatus, comprisin a steam Vessel; a liquidreceptacle; a secon liquid receptacle in communication with said firstmentioned liquid receptacle; an alarm adapted to be actuated on the fallof liquid level below apre-determined level in said second mentionedliquid receptacle; a condult communlcatn'ig with one ofsaid .liquidreceptacles, and with said steam vesand means adapted to operatesaidfvalve through the difference of the opposed liquid heads; and aconduit communicating with said second mentioned liquid receptacle andwith said steam vessel.

In testimon whereof I aflix my Signature in presence o two witnesses.

JAMES WYLLIE. Witnesses:

JOHN HINDLEY WALKER, WILLIAM DUNCAN MGCARTER.

